A study of the ancient cultures of Africa, Asia, Europe and America and how they used the sun, moon, planets, stars and constellations in the construction of their buildings, calendars, agricultural patterns and religion.

TAUGHT:

Fall, Winter,

CONTENT AND TOPICS:

This course introduces the student to various ancient cultures and their use of the sun, moon, planets and stars to determine times of planting, religious activities, warfare, and the layout of various buildings. A brief history of each culture is presented to give the students a reference of their place in history. Their calendar and written language is also reviewed.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

1.Know the terminology used by archaeologist to describe a Site along with the astronomical terminology used to describe events in the heavens. Identify major constellations used by the ancient cultures.2.Know the history of major cultures that have used astronomy in their activities. Identify the major archaeological and astronomical sites of these cultures and can describe how astronomy was used in their activities. 3.Know the methods used by archaeologists to determine ages,decipher glyphs,and by astronomers to determine celestial alignments.4.Interact with several areas of science and history—The History of ancient cultures; The decipherment of ancient scripts, The archaeology of various sites, and the astronomy these ancient people used.5.Learn to express their ideas and knowledge by using both the written and spoken language and incorporating the vocabulary that is required for the course.6.Coming from a variety of backgrounds will work and communicate together effectively.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students will learn how to use astronomy computer programs to study ancient eclipses, rising and setting positions of stars and constellations in order to determine dates of ancient events. Students will prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the history and astronomy of a culture of their choice and present it in class.A term paper is required Four or five exams (100 points each)Four computer projects